Comment: In 1615, St. Bellarmine's letter to Paolo Foscarini was a thoughtful response that sought to address the theological implications of Galileo's heliocentric model, providing a nuanced perspective on the reconciliation between scientific advancements and religious beliefs.For to say that, assuming the earth moves and the sun stands still, all the appearances are saved better than with eccentrics and epicycles, is to speak well; there is no danger in this, and it is sufficient for mathematicians.
But to want to affirm that the sun really is fixed in the center of the heavens and only revolves around itself (i.e., turns upon its axis ) without travelling from east to west, and that the earth is situated in the third sphere and revolves with great speed around the sun, is a very dangerous thing.
Credit: Cardinal Bellarmine
Source: Cardinal Bellarmine's Letter to Paolo Foscarini (1615)
Image Credits: Pixabay
(Pixabay)In-person, 7–11 September 2026, Warbrook House, Hampshire, UK
We are living and working in conditions of uncertainty, complexity, and rapid change. Many leadership approaches still rely on control, expertise, and tools that no longer fit the realities people face.
This week-long immersive workshop brings people together to practise Conversational Leadership as a shared, lived experience. It is not a training course but a space to slow down, think together, and explore how leadership emerges through dialogue, responsibility, and real engagement.